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Portland Storm #7.6
Mistletoe Misconduct
ASIN: B019X6I940 updated version found here
Everyone deserves a second chance.
As general manager of the Portland Storm, Jim Sutter knows this all too well. And he’s in the perfect position to grant second chances like he’s Santa Claus—even if he never gives himself one. When his friends take matters into their own hands, Jim might just get the holiday surprise of a lifetime.
Elaine Sutter is finally ready to forgive her ex-husband for his past transgressions and find a future with him again. So when she discovers his online dating profile, she sets up a secret meeting with the only man she’s really ever loved. Her only goal this holiday season is to stuff Jim’s stocking with a Santa-sized dose of forgiveness and a sleigh full of love. After all, a bit of mistletoe could wipe out all of Jim’s previous misconduct and pave the way for a little fun under that holiday sprig.
Everyone deserves a second chance.
As general manager of the Portland Storm, Jim Sutter knows this all too well. And he’s in the perfect position to grant second chances like he’s Santa Claus—even if he never gives himself one. When his friends take matters into their own hands, Jim might just get the holiday surprise of a lifetime.
Elaine Sutter is finally ready to forgive her ex-husband for his past transgressions and find a future with him again. So when she discovers his online dating profile, she sets up a secret meeting with the only man she’s really ever loved. Her only goal this holiday season is to stuff Jim’s stocking with a Santa-sized dose of forgiveness and a sleigh full of love. After all, a bit of mistletoe could wipe out all of Jim’s previous misconduct and pave the way for a little fun under that holiday sprig.
94 pages, ebook
First published December 28, 2015
26 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Gayle
73 books923 followers***Please note that series numbering of the Portland Storm series is different at Goodreads than it is on Catherine's website or at any retailer. Goodreads policy will not allow the series numbering to match anything else. If this confuses you, please complain to Goodreads, as it is not Catherine's fault.***
Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas. Soon, she'll be launching her debut contemporary small-town romance series. She's sold more than three-quarters of a million books. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.
Catherine doesn't check messages on Goodreads very often. Please contact her through her website for a timely response.
Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas. Soon, she'll be launching her debut contemporary small-town romance series. She's sold more than three-quarters of a million books. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.
Catherine doesn't check messages on Goodreads very often. Please contact her through her website for a timely response.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 5, 2016
I am a big fan of Catherine Gayle's Portland Storm series so was excited to get Jim Sutter's story. He is the Portland Storm hockey team General Manager. He is a good guy who takes care of his team, treats them like family, and often gives people that need them a second chance to succeed or make something out of their life. We have seen him do that for his assistant Rachel when she really needed it and for some down on their luck players. But Jim has never forgiven himself for a a mistake he made that cost him his family. He's built his own pseudo family with his team and their wives and is well loved, but he has no relationship with his own son and lost his wife.
But when his ex, Elaine sees a profile for Jim on a dating site, the years fall away and she decides to take it as her own second chance.
Jim was always good at giving others another chance, but not himself. He has a big heart and is kind, but he beats himself up with guilt over one bad choice and feels unworthy. But Elaine is realizing that she could have fought harder for him too. And she has decided to take charge and be brave. Can she convince him that he deserves love and his own second chance?
This was a short, sweet, second chance love story. It moved pretty fast due to it's short novella length for this anthology and it was light on drama and details. But the connection between them was established and was heartfelt. The side relationship with their son Dillon also added depth to the story. And it was fun to get some cameos by some of the characters from other books and we met a new player Chris Hammond "Hammer". I really enjoyed getting to know more about Jim and seeing others look out for him for a change.
Additional note: This collection offers a variety of authors and types of characters that will make it a fun anthology to have when you need quick holiday pick me ups to make you smile, swoon, and get you the in the holiday spirit. They are of perfect length for fitting in when you have limited time, and for trying out new authors.
ARC provided by Catherine Gayle in exchange for an honest review.
But when his ex, Elaine sees a profile for Jim on a dating site, the years fall away and she decides to take it as her own second chance.
Jim was always good at giving others another chance, but not himself. He has a big heart and is kind, but he beats himself up with guilt over one bad choice and feels unworthy. But Elaine is realizing that she could have fought harder for him too. And she has decided to take charge and be brave. Can she convince him that he deserves love and his own second chance?
This was a short, sweet, second chance love story. It moved pretty fast due to it's short novella length for this anthology and it was light on drama and details. But the connection between them was established and was heartfelt. The side relationship with their son Dillon also added depth to the story. And it was fun to get some cameos by some of the characters from other books and we met a new player Chris Hammond "Hammer". I really enjoyed getting to know more about Jim and seeing others look out for him for a change.
Additional note: This collection offers a variety of authors and types of characters that will make it a fun anthology to have when you need quick holiday pick me ups to make you smile, swoon, and get you the in the holiday spirit. They are of perfect length for fitting in when you have limited time, and for trying out new authors.
ARC provided by Catherine Gayle in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2020
FML!
I wanted to give it a try....because I loved Jim though the entire series. And MAYBE I could have gotten passed the cheating that occurred 20 years before. Doubtful...but there was a chance.
But this heroine. Shit she just went on and on about how it was HER fault for giving up on them! For leaving him and not trying. Are you shitting me?!
So I tried...this book failed.
I wanted to give it a try....because I loved Jim though the entire series. And MAYBE I could have gotten passed the cheating that occurred 20 years before. Doubtful...but there was a chance.
But this heroine. Shit she just went on and on about how it was HER fault for giving up on them! For leaving him and not trying. Are you shitting me?!
So I tried...this book failed.
September 1, 2017
Short novella which started with a major happenstance : 20 years past their divorce, Jim was registered to an online dating service by some wives of his players in a attempt to have him date and meet women instead of being lonely with only his job and team as a family substitute. Exactly at the same moment, his former wife decided to start dating also by the same means and found his profile on top of her potential soul mate... That was a bit big and not realistic
However what I really liked was how she realized she squandered their lives and was as responsible as he was in the failure of their past marriage. She didn't however really take responsibility for damaging the relationship between father and son, which she certainly played a bigger role in considering the son's age at the time of divorce.
However what I really liked was how she realized she squandered their lives and was as responsible as he was in the failure of their past marriage. She didn't however really take responsibility for damaging the relationship between father and son, which she certainly played a bigger role in considering the son's age at the time of divorce.
January 25, 2024
I was so happy to read Jim's story. I wished it would have been longer!
July 16, 2021
I know it's a novella but way too fast. They short changed poor Jim.
December 30, 2015
I’ve read about this man constantly giving second chances and a helping hand to everyone he can except himself. Catherine Gayle writes Mistletoe Misconduct, a story about the Portland Storm’s general manager, Jim Sutter.
Jim has been a constant in the background throughout the Portland Storm series. Everyone loves him, from his players, the kids and the player’s wives. So in a sneaky move from the wives they set out to find him, his perfect match as a Christmas gift. They didn’t imagine that this would bring back the only woman he’s ever loved but who pushed him out of her life and divorced him 20 years back.
Elaine has come back to fight for love. Even though Jim made a mistake, she knows he’s not perfect and now realizes she could have fought for them because he’s not just a good man, he’s the only man she’s ever loved. Armed with forgiveness and mistletoe she hopes she can convince Jim to move on and give them a second chance.
This was a lovely story about love and forgiveness that ended too soon for me because I can’t have enough of a good thing. But I’m confident we’ll get to see more of Jim and Elaine in future Portland stories. Hopefully they won’t be in the shadows.
These and all the stories in this anthology are inspiring, heartfelt and perfect for the holidays!
Jim has been a constant in the background throughout the Portland Storm series. Everyone loves him, from his players, the kids and the player’s wives. So in a sneaky move from the wives they set out to find him, his perfect match as a Christmas gift. They didn’t imagine that this would bring back the only woman he’s ever loved but who pushed him out of her life and divorced him 20 years back.
Elaine has come back to fight for love. Even though Jim made a mistake, she knows he’s not perfect and now realizes she could have fought for them because he’s not just a good man, he’s the only man she’s ever loved. Armed with forgiveness and mistletoe she hopes she can convince Jim to move on and give them a second chance.
This was a lovely story about love and forgiveness that ended too soon for me because I can’t have enough of a good thing. But I’m confident we’ll get to see more of Jim and Elaine in future Portland stories. Hopefully they won’t be in the shadows.
These and all the stories in this anthology are inspiring, heartfelt and perfect for the holidays!
December 29, 2015
I originally read this story in the 12 Christmas Romances To Melt Your Heart Anthology. It was one of my favorite stories in the book.
I loved hearing Jim’s story! Jim is the GM of the Portland Storm hockey team. He is a great guy who always gives everyone a second chance, because of that some of the players’ wives (headed by Laura – surprise, surprise) decided they wanted to set him up on a date for his Christmas present. As faith would have it, they end up coming in contact with Jim’s ex-wife, Elaine. The two still love each other and get their second chance in this story. The holidays are a time for family and forgiving; therefore, this is a great story for a holiday collection.
Once again, Catherine Gayle creates an emotional and realistic story. Elaine and Jim are both likeable characters that have made mistakes. I enjoyed hearing their story, and I love that they reunite. I adore that Sophie is in this story, and I love what she gives Elaine to help win back Jim. She is such a sweet character. Mistletoe Misconduct is a great addition to the Portland Storm series.
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved hearing Jim’s story! Jim is the GM of the Portland Storm hockey team. He is a great guy who always gives everyone a second chance, because of that some of the players’ wives (headed by Laura – surprise, surprise) decided they wanted to set him up on a date for his Christmas present. As faith would have it, they end up coming in contact with Jim’s ex-wife, Elaine. The two still love each other and get their second chance in this story. The holidays are a time for family and forgiving; therefore, this is a great story for a holiday collection.
Once again, Catherine Gayle creates an emotional and realistic story. Elaine and Jim are both likeable characters that have made mistakes. I enjoyed hearing their story, and I love that they reunite. I adore that Sophie is in this story, and I love what she gives Elaine to help win back Jim. She is such a sweet character. Mistletoe Misconduct is a great addition to the Portland Storm series.
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2016
It wasn't bad but I guess I never really cared about Jim's character enough to care if he got his happy ending. It was a short read and only $1.99 though so while while I can't say I'm really glad I read it, I don't feel like I wasted my time or money either.
February 2, 2017
Very sweet look into the life of Coach Jim! I am sure that many people wanted his story, and this was a great telling! I love a heartfelt story about forgiveness and love!!
February 2, 2016
Mistletoe Misconduct- Catherine Gayle shows that anything is possible. With a little bit of faith and a whole lot heart. And a little push doesn't hurt every now and then.
February 14, 2016
Just didn't get this one at all
January 1, 2022
Portland Storm nice to meet you
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
tory 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed: 11-21-21
This was my first glimpse into the work of the Portland Storm. It all began here with the GM and his ex wife looking for a second chance with the only man she has loved. The family he built with his team knows the man he is today. They know he too deserves a second chance to have love. Here’s his chance but having his ex wife was not what they set out to do. This year they give a grand gift to a grand man that has built his life and career around giving second chances.
Angle Clark filled the silence and delivered the story.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
tory 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed: 11-21-21
This was my first glimpse into the work of the Portland Storm. It all began here with the GM and his ex wife looking for a second chance with the only man she has loved. The family he built with his team knows the man he is today. They know he too deserves a second chance to have love. Here’s his chance but having his ex wife was not what they set out to do. This year they give a grand gift to a grand man that has built his life and career around giving second chances.
Angle Clark filled the silence and delivered the story.
July 8, 2022
Mistletoe Misconduct (Portland Storm Book 12)
The love story of Jim and Elaine. Jim believes in second chance. He is GM of Portland Storm and he has given many players a second chance but will he get a second chance for happiness? Elaine is Jim ex-wife, he cheated on her and now she wants to give him a second chance. Will they find love again? Great story.
The love story of Jim and Elaine. Jim believes in second chance. He is GM of Portland Storm and he has given many players a second chance but will he get a second chance for happiness? Elaine is Jim ex-wife, he cheated on her and now she wants to give him a second chance. Will they find love again? Great story.
September 28, 2019
Gentle book. True emotions depicted—-it feels as if narrators were honestly telling their own stories. I like the respect shown to Down’s Syndrome people. AND the presence of CHRISTmas as an actual character is my favorite part. This book is something I really needed today.
February 26, 2018
Hotness Rating 2 out of 5
Review to come...
Review to come...
July 8, 2019
Loved Jim Sutter's story. The WAGS were right on target with this one
September 24, 2019
Second chances.
October 1, 2019
I need to know what happened with his son!
January 17, 2022
I wish this had been a full story, because it lacked a lot of details and explanation that I felt like I needed, before I could invest in this situation.
August 6, 2022
Cheaters don't deserve second chances... Idc if we've grown to love him in the series.
December 18, 2016
Jim Sutter, General Manager of the Portland Storm has been divorced from his wife for two decades. The WAGs (wives and girlfiends) of the Portland Storm hockey team thought of giving Jim a holiday treat. Unknown to him, the WAGs posted his profile in a dating site. Miles away, his ex-wife Elaine found him online. She took her chance and the journey in at a second chance on love begins.
What worked
Christmas is a time of reunions and reconciliations. Some are successful and some aren't. In the Portland Storm series, the coming together of Elaine and Jim magically worked out with very little effort and resistance. Jim is still haunted by his past mistakes, especially the one that led to his divorce. He lives with this pain by being the father to the Portland Storm hockey players, their wives and children. To them, Jim is not just a manager of the team. Apparently, Jim is a big believer on second chances. If he could give his players a second chance, why can't he give it to himself? Elaine loves him still, after all. If she could forgive him, why can't he forgive himself?
Throwing his guilt and regrets out the window, he took the first step to redemption.
Like Jim, I do believe in second chances. Like Elaine, I go after what my heart tells me to do. Twenty years apart is a long time, but between two people who truly love each other, time is merely a concept.
What did not work
The ending felt rushed. I would have wanted to see a chapter devoted to Jim's reunion with his son as well. If this is a technique by the author and the publisher to rope me in for the next novellas in the series to see more of Jim's turn around as a father to his son, well, that is pretty smart.
For fans of contemporary romance and happily ever afters, this novella makes for a good Christmas read as it celebrates forgiveness and hope for a brighter future.
What worked
Christmas is a time of reunions and reconciliations. Some are successful and some aren't. In the Portland Storm series, the coming together of Elaine and Jim magically worked out with very little effort and resistance. Jim is still haunted by his past mistakes, especially the one that led to his divorce. He lives with this pain by being the father to the Portland Storm hockey players, their wives and children. To them, Jim is not just a manager of the team. Apparently, Jim is a big believer on second chances. If he could give his players a second chance, why can't he give it to himself? Elaine loves him still, after all. If she could forgive him, why can't he forgive himself?
Throwing his guilt and regrets out the window, he took the first step to redemption.
Like Jim, I do believe in second chances. Like Elaine, I go after what my heart tells me to do. Twenty years apart is a long time, but between two people who truly love each other, time is merely a concept.
What did not work
The ending felt rushed. I would have wanted to see a chapter devoted to Jim's reunion with his son as well. If this is a technique by the author and the publisher to rope me in for the next novellas in the series to see more of Jim's turn around as a father to his son, well, that is pretty smart.
For fans of contemporary romance and happily ever afters, this novella makes for a good Christmas read as it celebrates forgiveness and hope for a brighter future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2016
I've always loved Jim, the General Manager for the Portland Storm Hockey team. Although this series he's a wonderful and caring man. It was great to see he had his own story. And a story that will melt your heart. He is a great guy who always gives everyone a second chance, because of that some of the players’ wives (headed by Laura – surprise, surprise) decided they wanted to set him up on a date for his Christmas present. As faith would have it, they end up coming in contact with Jim’s ex-wife, Elaine. On Match.com for Christ sacks. The two still love each other and get their second chance in this story. The holidays are a time for family and forgiving. You won't be disappointed reading this one.
December 29, 2015
Loved it!!!
I received an ARC copy of Mistletoe Misconduct for an honest review.
Jim Sutter is the kind of guy you want to know - he's kind, always looking out to help people needing that second chance and caring beyond else. He has a past, which he doesn't share with anyone for his own reasons, penance maybe for a past wrong?
People make mistakes, it's a fact of life, and forgiveness isn't always forthcoming.
What happens if 20 years after a huge mistake was made you get the chance to rectify the past with the one person you've always loved?
Read and enjoy Mistletoe Misconduct as much as I did and find out if the chance worth the risk?
I received an ARC copy of Mistletoe Misconduct for an honest review.
Jim Sutter is the kind of guy you want to know - he's kind, always looking out to help people needing that second chance and caring beyond else. He has a past, which he doesn't share with anyone for his own reasons, penance maybe for a past wrong?
People make mistakes, it's a fact of life, and forgiveness isn't always forthcoming.
What happens if 20 years after a huge mistake was made you get the chance to rectify the past with the one person you've always loved?
Read and enjoy Mistletoe Misconduct as much as I did and find out if the chance worth the risk?
June 16, 2016
~ Catherine Gayle ~ Mistletoe Misconduct ~
Jim believes everyone deserves a second chance. His mother did not receive many while he was growing up, but those second chances meant the world to him. This policy has served him well during his hockey career and he is still paying it forward while he is the general manager of a successful hockey team. Elaine, his ex-wife, wants to move on and find someone to fill the hole in her heart. Only, Jim still holds her heart and she compares each man to him.
A beautiful story of second chances and finding the ability to forgives others and ourselves. A different story of love in our later years.
Jim believes everyone deserves a second chance. His mother did not receive many while he was growing up, but those second chances meant the world to him. This policy has served him well during his hockey career and he is still paying it forward while he is the general manager of a successful hockey team. Elaine, his ex-wife, wants to move on and find someone to fill the hole in her heart. Only, Jim still holds her heart and she compares each man to him.
A beautiful story of second chances and finding the ability to forgives others and ourselves. A different story of love in our later years.
Read
February 2, 2016I was received a copy of this book for an honest review. Throughout this series I have always loved Jim's character. He is kind, generous and always gives those in need a chance. For all those reasons I was extremely excited to read his story. In my opinion Catherine Gayle is the ultimate storyteller. This novella was sweet and wonderful just like Jim. Learning about his loneliness and the fact that he was still so kind and generous made me like him even more. This is a sweet story that will make fans of this series happy for the holidays.
February 10, 2016
Anyone who has read the Portland Storm series would of course want to know that even Jim Sutter deserves a second chance. Such a sweet story of two souls who got lost and have the chance to find love again. And a few of my favorite players and wives help them find their way. I needed a few tissues for their reunion but it just reminds me that Catherine writes with her heart, no matter how much pain theRE is, love comes through.
January 14, 2016
Really cute & quick novella in the Portland Storm series. Jim & Elaine were married until he did something so stupid it caused the death of his marriage, now 20 years later he's got a second chance with the only woman he's ever loved. Liked seeing the Portland Storm women giving Jim the best Christmas gift ever. Definite recommend.
February 10, 2016
A really lovely story, so nice to meet Jim's lovely ex Elaine. A really sad back story. I usually hate cheating storylines but her lavish "I'll make you pay" made me route for them both to get back together.
A real case of a really bad decision changing his life and his lack of fight after his utter discuss at himself cost him everything!!
A real case of a really bad decision changing his life and his lack of fight after his utter discuss at himself cost him everything!!
September 25, 2025
I'm happy for them, but I had trouble suspending my disbelief enough to buy this premise. It's hard to believe a love that could last with a more than 20 year separation and lots of hard feelings to get past.
August 12, 2016
OH, WOW, CHRISTMAS TEARS
A quick, happy story. Like a lot of Catherine Gayle 's stories, this one made me cry - happy tears. It was wonderfully believable, sweetly romantic, and involved just enough child-like happiness to end on a splendid up - note.
A quick, happy story. Like a lot of Catherine Gayle 's stories, this one made me cry - happy tears. It was wonderfully believable, sweetly romantic, and involved just enough child-like happiness to end on a splendid up - note.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews